Thursday, March 25, 2010

In Washington , D.C. an old priest lay dying in the hospital. For years he had faithfully served the people of the nation's capital and was well known among the elected officials. He motioned for his nurse to come near.

"Yes, Father?" said the nurse.

"I would really like to see President Obama and Speaker Pelosi before I die", whispered the priest.

"I'll see what I can do, Father", replied the nurse.

The nurse sent the request to The President and Congress and waited for a response. Soon the word arrived; President Obama and Nancy Pelosi would be delighted to visit the priest.

As they went to the hospital, Obama commented to Pelosi, "I don't know why the old priest wants to see us, but it will certainly help our images and might even get me re-elected."

Pelosi agreed that it was a good thing.

When they arrived at the priest's room, the priest took Obama's hand in his right hand and Pelosi's hand in his left hand. There was silence and a look of serenity on the old priest's face.

Finally President Obama spoke.. "Father, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you choose us to be with you as you near the end?"

The old priest slowly replied, "I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

"Amen", said Obama.

"Amen", said Pelosi.

The old priest continued, "Jesus died between two lying thieves; I would like to do the same.."

Monday, March 1, 2010

Dear Anthony:Thank you for contacting me.I appreciate knowing your views on health care reform. I recognize that the high cost of health care is affecting nearly every American. Congress should act in a responsible way to drive down health care costs crippling individuals and businesses alike, and expand access to affordable health care options for those who lack health care coverage. This is an issue that should have strong bipartisan agreement.Yet, over the objections of Republicans and Democrats alike, trillion dollar health care bills were rammed through both the House and Senate. I do not support either of these bills because they do nothing to lower the rising costs of health care premiums, slash Medicare by half a trillion dollars and spend taxpayer money that we do not have. In recent weeks, Democratic leaders have acknowledged that the existing bills do not have sufficient support to pass, and are considering new approaches.I have offered an alternative plan, H.R. 4038, the Common Sense Health Care Reform and Affordability Act, that I believe could be a basis for finding common ground. My bill is a step-by-step approach to comprehensive health care reform that focuses on immediate reforms to lower health coverage costs - the first step to expanding coverage - without raising taxes, without cutting Medicare, without spending over $ 1 trillion.It is my hope that Congressional leaders will work on a bipartisan basis to find^ common ground. I believe my alternative proposal is the responsible way to start. I encourage you to view my plan online at www.camp.house.gov/health Thank you again for contacting me.